The FAA has approved REACH Air Medical Services to use its own GPS approaches and routes directly to hospitals and landing sites in Western Oregon. REACH is the first Helicopter Emergency Management Service program to commit assets to serve the Oregon Coast and Willamette Valley. In 2000, REACH was the first air ambulance company in the nation to receive this type of approval for routes in its Northern California response area.

"We are proud to have made this investment, which will allow us to provide our hospital partners and the communities we serve with the enhanced ability of GPS approaches and routes," Sean Russell, president of REACH, said in a news release. "These enhancements will ultimately allow us to provide patient access and care where, historically, there has not been the option of air ambulance due to certain weather conditions."